Thoughts | Social Stigma on Mental Illness

Here are some sobering questions to ponder about regarding social stigma surrounding persons with mental illness(es). I do hope that by sharing my personal take on these questions will facilitate and further healthy conversations on mental health issues. It is not such a scary topic to speak about after all! :)

1) Can someone living with mental illness still able to imagine, envision and come up with new ideas through his / her mind?

I believe just as any illnesses, there is a season where we will be crippled and be feeling weak. With mental illnesses, it will mean that the mind needs to take a break and later, be on recovery plan. If you were to take me back to 2015 & 2016, my answer will be a ‘No’ during that period of time - for I was still adjusting to psychiatric medications and going through a series of medical procedures to determine the right treatment plan for my condition. I felt weak and was unable to exercise my mind. For months, I’ve lost the ability to speak, to think and even, controlling my bowels. Friends and family observed that I was often zoning out, probably due to the effects of medications then.

It took 2 full years of recovery when I am finally able to ‘train’ my mind again to focus, to build confidence in articulating my thoughts, allowing the mind to imagine and come up with ideas in a logical manner. I will describe this whole situation as how an athlete suffers from a serious sports injury and it takes months, if not years, to strengthen the muscles and physical body to be fit for sports activity again.

Professional medical help along with entering the workforce again is like a double-edged sword for my recovery. By integrating back to society and having a full-time job as an interior designer had helped me significantly to gain baby steps towards functioning again. There were many fears which I had to overcome, and boy, am I glad to have went through that season which I will describe it being ‘building up from ground zero’.

On top of that, it is also by following through a medical treatment plan strictly, taking medication on time and attending medical appointments to see my psychiatrist. I am glad my family is pretty determined to get me back on track in life, to have seen me through the difficult path of several relapses to now, being able to function steadily and independently.

2) Do you think that someone who has mental illness can make sound decisions independently? Will you be able to trust him / her to be involved in your business or to provide a professional service?

As of 2020, Singaporean employers are no longer allowed to ask if potential employee has mental illness under Fair Employment Practices in Singapore. (Read : https://www.tal.sg/tafep/Employment-Practices/Recruitment/Job-Application-Forms) With this news, it definitely removes a huge obstacle and job application dilemma from potential workers during interviews. Many people who have been diagnosed with mental illness(es) are still able to perform at work and are productive in their respective fields. Having mental illness(es) is not a determining factor if one is suited for the job or not.

Looking back, I am thankful that in 2016 when I was hired as a full-time interior designer, my ex-boss was really assuring, reminding me that my job performance was based on my abilities and not my mental health conditions. During that particular job interview at a cafe, he even shared with me that his personal friend was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder as well.

Over the course of running SpeakLove as a business, I am so heartened to have met many clients and business partners who approached me and engaged my professional services without worrying much about my medical conditions, never once made me doubted my capabilities at work. I am also very encouraged by the responses from students at my painting retreats as I shared my journey living with mental illnesses. Hugs, tears and words of love were exchanged.

In conclusion,

I do believe it just takes one person to be open and vulnerable about this whole issue - like a ripple effect, I pray it may create more opportunities to speak about the topic of mental illness, comfortably and rationally. I am heartened to be living in the age where more initiatives and efforts are been made to educate the public regarding mental illness. And I do believe that it was also through my faith that has given me the strength and redeeming grace to believe my mind has been restored and my life is made for a greater purpose. :)

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The contents of SpeakLove Co (SpeakLove SG - “company”) site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained are for illustration and informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You must not rely on the information on this blog as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or therapist. If you have any specific concerns about your mental health, you should consult your doctor and you should not delay seeking medical advice, or treatment for your mental health, because of information on this blog.

Medical Assistance for Mental Health

For immediate assistance in Singapore, call these 24-hour hotlines: National Care Hotline (1800-202-6868), Institute of Mental Health Emergency Hotline (6389 2222) or Samaritans of Singapore (1800-221-4444).

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